The Baxter Building, designed by Francis Fassett in 1888, served as the new home for The Maine Historical Society and the Portland Public Library, after both organizations departed Old City Hall.

The library was the gift of James Phinney Baxter. The cornerstone was laid on September 9, 1887, and on February 21, 1889, the community celebrated the “Dedicatory Exercises of the Baxter Building To the Uses of the Portland Public Library and the Maine Historical Society.”

To the right is W. E. Morton & Company, which sold flowers and confections.